Treat Kashmir a bit different to other states: Mehbooba to Centre

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has cautioned the Centre about the ground realities in Kashmir, and said the northern state should be treated differently in comparison to other Indian states. Insisting that J&K deserved "special attention and care", Mehbooba told ETV in an interview, "While dealing with Kashmir, we should always keep one thing in mind that Kashmir is different, it is not another Indian state, here the ground realities are a bit different, and therefore, the state deserves a special attention and care." The Chief Minister, however, expressed her "complete trust and faith" in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "who wants to change the development face of the Valley". She also appreciated Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for praising her late father's vision and statesmanship during the interview and for his assurance that the Centre would provide "all possible help" to rebuild the economy of the state.

She said only massive all-round development of Kashmir could change the sentiments of Kashmiris towards the BJP and the Centre.